We offer suggestions for arts lovers to discover (and re-discover) established and emerging artists, musicians and performers in and around Delaware. Although we particularly like to celebrate smaller arts organizations and individuals, we cover nearly anything that strikes us or that we feel you should know about. Periodically, we welcome guest bloggers and artists to join us.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

BOEING BOEING — a Full Flight of Funny

Opening weekend at Delaware Theatre Company saw a bevy of Who’s
Whos hoot, holler and howl at the third production of its 2012-2013 season,
Marc Camoletti’s French farce, Boeing
Boeing. It also welcomed back
to the local stage three graduates of the University of Delaware’s Professional
Theatre Training Program (now UD’s REP Theatre). (Saw pal Deenie Howatt of UD get
a huge hug from actor Jeffrey C. Hawkins in the lobby post-performance.)The 2008 Tony Award-winning script, originally translated by
Beverly Cross and Francis Evans and directed here by Steve Tague, takes us on board
the comedic trip of American businessman Bernard (Jason O’Connell) as he
attempts to juggle his trio of international fiancées – all flight attendants –
as well as a surprise visit from his old college pal, Robert (Jeffrey C.
Hawkins).

Bernard has successfully (thus far) kept all three on a
tight schedule of romance, all managed through the master flight timetables he
keeps on hand. He describes his setup
to Robert as “…so mathematic, it’s almost poetic.” But suddenly, reality – or
more precisely, modern technology – takes control in the form of faster jet
engines and colliding schedules. Then
the real fun starts: early arrivals, sneaky departures, and plenty of door
slamming, pratfalls, and the ubiquitous calming cocktail.

The women in Bernard’s life – feisty Texan Gloria (Sara M.
Bruner), lusty Italian Gabriella (Gisela Chipe) and uber-passionate German
Gretchen (Heidi-Marie Ferren) – are at the heart of the frenzied, titillating
tale. Each was a well-played
over-the-top parody, but Gretchen was downright hilarious. However, it was the one who must keep them
all straight – Bernard’s long-suffering maid, Berthe (Sarah Doherty) – who I thought
delivered the most genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Many of Doherty’s scenes were priceless even without words:
her body language and subtle reactions delivered in true comedic timing.

My other favorite was Hawkins as Bernard’s nerdy, excitable
pal, Robert. While Bernard cavorts
with his trio, Robert and Berthe struggle to maintain order, whatever that
might be. I loved the banter of
Berthe’s and Robert’s scenes together, and at one point found myself even rooting
for them to hook up and leave this dysfunctional band to themselves! There’s plenty of clever quips,
including an explanation from Gloria on what truly makes American great, which
sent a roar through the audience.

I had a little problem with the actors’ blocking from my
seats (at a few points, a character would completely obstruct our view of
others) but I came away extremely amused and pleasantly surprised (thought
there would be much more ‘dated sexism’ in the content). In the end, after the
mania ensues and the smoke clears, everything is wrapped up in a classic neat
little package. No spoiler alert here, though; as Hunter S. Thompson once said,
“Buy the ticket; take the ride.”

No comments:

Post a Comment

Delaware Arts Info Contributors

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, creator & manager. Originally from Pittsburgh and a die-hard Penn Stater, Michelle is the Owner of Arts in Media, a Delaware-based arts promotion firm, which launched this blog in June 2009. She enjoys and tries to support every genre of Arts. In her (rare) spare time, she loves to read, cook and occasionally, paint. She lives in Wilmington with her husband, Scott, puppy Eli and previously, Dewey the Art Dog.